"fiscal cliff." the senate is close to a deal as the clock ticks toward midnight and the nation teeters on the edge of the so-called "fiscal cliff." >> let's pass the tax relief portion now. let's take what's been agreed to and get moving. >> reporter: the tentative deal would extend bush-era tax cuts for families making $450,000 a year and individuals making $400,000. it would also increase the taxes on estates worth more than $5 million and extend unemployment benefits for one year. president obama said he would have preferred a grand bargain that solved all of washington's revenue and spending problems. >> with this congress, that was obviously a little too much to hope for at this time. [ laughter ] >> it may be we can do it in stages. >> reporter: negotiations have been going on all day. lawmakers and aides moving back and forth between meeting rooms here on capitol hill on what is normally a quiet new year's eve. the major sticking upon the now is spending. the president suggested lawmakers mak